Devastating update on former SA Schools captain
NEWS: Former South Africa Schools captain and rising rugby star Muzi Manyike has passed away.
The former junior Lions player went missing in November 2020.
According to reports the Randfontein SAPS officially opened a missing person’s docket case on November 10 after growing concerns from his family.
Upon investigation by police and private investigators, on November 18 CCTV footage reportedly showed Manyike leaving a car in Pretoria North before disappearing.
The 20-year-old’s disappearance was a huge shock and the search continued for months.
However, unfortunately, it has now been confirmed that the rising star has passed away.
It has been reported that his family confirmed his passing after identifying his remains at the Garankuwa mortuary on Monday.
The cause of his death remains unknown.
Manyika was set to feature in the Lions Under-21 Provincial Championship in October last year.
However, the utility back, who can play flyhalf and centre opted to join the national Sevens academy in September.
Following the devasting news, the Lions released a statement.
“The Lions family is absolutely devastated today to hear of the passing of one of our former Lions players, Muzi Manyike.
“The Lions will miss you dearly and will always cherish your love and respect for the game, your rugby brothers, and the support staff.
“Our sincerest condolences and respect of privacy to the Manyike family in this time of grief and anguish.”
Rudolf Straeuli, Chief Executive Officer of the Lions Rugby Company said: “On behalf of myself, our Chairman, Mr Altmann Allers and everyone in Lions Rugby, I want to send our deepest sympathies to the Manyike family. We honestly cannot believe it and it’s hard to find words right now,”
Manyike was the head boy of the prestigious Jeppy High School for Boys in 2018.
He appeared in Craven week twice and also represented the SA national U17 and U18 sevens team.
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Muzi Manyike.
Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Manyike family & we will continue to support you in whatever way possible.
Muzi was a valued client, with an incredibly bright future ahead of him & he will be sorely missed🙏🏼#RIPMuzi pic.twitter.com/N5Tw9qmo1j— In Touch Sports (@InTouchSports) February 16, 2021
Muzi Manyike tribute.
Kid was incredibly talented. I started watching him from age 16 at Jeppe.https://t.co/PHlTGKRsx8 pic.twitter.com/mdmqZKxtJL
— Penuel is God (@kingpenuel) February 16, 2021
